A multi-centre general practice trial of a pindolol/clopamide combination ('Viskaldix') in essential hypertension

A large, open, multi-centre study was carried out in general practice to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of a combination of 10 mg pindolol plus 5 mg clopamide, in single tablet form, in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension. Computer analysis of the records of 8989 patients who completed the 8-weeks' study period showed that treatment with the combination product, in a dosage of 1 tablet daily in 83% of the patients, resulted in excellent blood pressure control in the majority (75%) of cases, irrespective of age or previous antihypertensive treatment, and was particularly effective in those with mild to moderate hypertension who had previously not received any therapy. Side-effects were generally not troublesome and only 8.3% of patients stopped treatment for this reason. The most commonly reported side-effects were dizziness, nausea, tiredness and headache.